Malik Willis quarterback Green Bay Packers
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 27: Malik Willis #2 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball while being chased by Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at Lambeau Field on December 27, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
There are few certain things about the offseason, especially when it comes to the Green Bay Packers. Which players will they re-sign? Will they attack certain positions on the open market in free agency?
But there is one thing that is for sure: backup quarterback Malik Willis is about to get paid.
Jordan Schultz reported on February 25 that the 26-year old is set to receive a minimum of $30 million per year in his ensuing free agent deal this coming offseason, and multiple quarterback-needy teams are likely to battle it out to secure his services in 2026 and beyond.
In the midst of the all this, former Packers QB and Penn State alum Sean Clifford, sent a heartfelt message to his former teammate on social media.
Football is a humbling business.
Getting cut is never easy and it’s even tougher when someone comes in and you slide back on the depth chart. But in this league, you learn quickly that respect runs deeper than circumstance.
Malik has become one of my best friends, and there’s… https://t.co/dve85pBMz9
— Sean Clifford (@seancliff14) February 26, 2026
Sean Clifford Delivers Words From the Heart to Malik Willis
Clifford starts his message talking about his own experience being released by Green Bay and having Willis supplant him as the team’s de facto backup.
“Football is a humbling business. Getting cut is never easy and it’s even tougher when someone comes in and you slide back on the depth chart. But in this league, you learn quickly that respect runs deeper than circumstance.” Clifford wrote on Thursday.
“Malik has become one of my best friends, and there’s honestly no one more deserving of everything coming his way.” Clifford continued. “I know firsthand it’s never been about money or headlines for him but it’s about the work, the faith, and showing up every single day chasing the dream the right way.”
Clifford pointed to the work his former teammate had put in on and off the field to become one of the more intriguing young quarterbacks in the league.
“Watching his journey up close has been inspiring. He’s showing guys like me what perseverance, belief, and patience really look like in the NFL.
So proud of you, brother. Wherever you go, that team is getting a STUD.
God is Good malikwillis”, Clifford finished.
Where Will Malik Willis End Up?
The Steelers, Cardinals, Dolphins and Jets all have needs at the position, but at this point it would appear that the Dolphins are likely to be counted out given their dire cap situation, which could see more damage inflicted onto it if the team decides to release Tua Tagovailoa.
Pittsburgh are the team best poised to win now, having come off of a division title in 2025, but given their more traditional team outlook the franchise may be reticent to go out and spend over $30 million per year on a free agent deal for a quarterback who has just six starts to his name over the course of his career.
The Jets have by far the most cap space of all the team, and will be desperate to finally find their quarterback of the future after seemingly striking out once again on their two year, $40 million deal for Justin Fields last spring.
And Arizona have the allure of two highly capable wideouts in Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, in addition to now being lead by new head coach Mike LaFleur – the brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur who helped engineer Willis’ success since arriving in Green Bay.